Defining the Optimal Kitchen Floor Plan

3 big questions to answer to ensure your next kitchen floor plan is both accurate and attractive

So you want to update your kitchen floor plan? Though it is tempting to consider this as easy as shifting a few appliances and your dining furniture around, you’ll likely find (hopefully not too late) that it’s not quite so easy. Whether your moments away from a big shift, or are only in the beginning stages of considering a new kitchen plan, try answering these questions first:

What’s the best layout for you?What do U, G, L, Galley, single wall and island all have in common? They’re all different kitchen layouts. Kitchen layouts are endlessly discussed amongst interior designers with good reason. Each layout has its own great qualities (and drawbacks) and each suits a different lifestyle. Social lifestyles suit the U-shaped kitchen. Galleys are great in tight spaces. The L layout is perfect for young families. An open layout connects the kitchen with the rest of the home. If updating the kitchen layout is part of your plan, do your research and pick the layout that is right for you.

Did you measure everything properly? Really?Carpenters always say to measure twice and cut once – and that’s the basic premise behind any well-executed kitchen floor plan. Get some help, take your time and carefully measure every element of your current kitchen space. Including doors, windows and built-in storage.

Have you thought about how your new kitchen plan will affect your utilities?As any contractor will tell you, moving plumbing, gas pipes and electrical outlets takes time and money. Should you wish your kitchen planning to go as smoothly as possible, consider whether or not your utilities will need to be shifted. If so, it’s worth thinking about making adjustments to accommodate what’s already there.

Did you include enough storage?The fun of working on a new kitchen plan is using your imagination to create all sorts of innovative area setups. However, logic should not take a complete vacation at this critical time and storage should be a big part of the planning. In fact, as increasing storage is typically the main objective of kitchen planning, do ensure that you’re not removing any.